The Eden Project is a project conceived by Tim Smit to construct and maintain a large-scale environmental complex on a property located about 8km from St Austell, Cornwall, in South West England. Although relatively new, the project has quickly become one of the most popular visitor attractions in the United Kingdom. The complex includes two giant, transparent domes, each emulating a natural biome, that house plant species from around the world. The first emulates a tropical environment, the other a warm temperate, Mediterranean-type environment. The project took 2 1/2 years to construct. The project is ongoing, and part of its purpose is to see how the different biomes develop over time.

The project is constructed in a disused china clay quarry. Visitors approach along roads to car parks at the top of the quarry and walk or bus to the entrance area, half-way down a gently sloping side. The entrance area includes the usual restaurant and gift shop, implemented in a more interesting way than is common. The entrance area also has some informational exhibits, some of which are animated.

Once into the attraction, there is a meandering path with views of the two biomes and of interesting planted landscapes (including, for example, colourful patterned areas which upon inspection prove to be vegetable gardens) and sculptures, such as that of a giant bee.

At the bottom are the two Biomes. The larger is for tropical plants, such as fruiting banana trees, coffee, rubber and giant bamboo and is kept at a tropical temperature. The smaller, which will eventually have its content split into a third Biome yet to be built, houses temperate and arid plants and various pieces of sculpture.

All known medicinal uses for the plants are listed by them. Part of the Eden Project is serious environmental and educational study, aiming to safeguard our planet and prevent mankind destroying benefits provided by nature by showcasing the interdependence of plants and people. Mr. Smit states that if the project becomes, or is merely seen to be, a theme park, then it has failed.

External links

• EdenProject.com (http://www.edenproject.com/) - The project's official website
• Eden Project Accommodation (http://www.eden-project-accommodation.com/) - Resources about the project including an image gallery, 360 degree virtual tour and accommodation listings.